The character designs, animation and soundtrack were all stellar. The art in each frame? Sublime. Best art I've seen on an anime, and I've seen a lot. Not in terms of art style, but in the general quality of the art. I especially remember the breathtaking scene near the middle of the episode; it was reminiscent of the recent critically acclaimed film Gravity. Beautiful art, plain beauty.
The story was quite lacking, just like the first episode. And that is why I would have liked this series to be twenty four or twelve episodes; it allows for more story development. However, it doesn't really take away from the enjoyment of this highly alluring anime. They seem to have made this quite action centric, even though three quarters consisted of heavy dialogue between the characters. I can't quite explain my dilemma. In short, when this series is completed, everything should fall into place; just like Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.
Thus, despite the unsubstantial plot, this anime is sure to fulfil your hunger for enjoyment. With the marvellous mechas, competent characters and brilliant animations, what is there to not blissfully enjoy this great work?
I guess you could think of it like the summer blockbusters of the Western film industry: amazing on all departments except for the story. But I do believe that by the end of this wonderful set, the story would come full closure and it would be great. Personally, I enjoyed it immensely and dubbed it the best anime of 2013. It made my whole year, and imagine if I'd watched it tomorrow, the first day of 2014. I would've been disappointed until the next instalment of the series. Hopefully it won't be delayed again. Probably will.
